The Agronomist

  Soil is the foundation of life on earth. It's the layer of organic and inorganic material that covers the earth's surface, supporting plant growth and providing the base for many of the ecosystems we depend on. Yet, despite its critical role, many of us take soil for granted, failing to appreciate the complexity and diversity that lies beneath our feet. Soil science is the study of this complex world, examining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, and the ways in which it interacts with the environment. In this post, we'll explore some of the key concepts of soil science, from soil surface to soil map unit. Soil Surface : The soil surface is the top layer of soil, which is in direct contact with the atmosphere and is influenced by weather, climate, and human activities. This layer is where most plant roots grow, and where many of the chemical and biological processes that support plant growth occur. Soil Individual : Soil individual is a term

  Agricultural economics is a subfield of economics that studies the economic principles and theories related to agriculture. It deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products and services. This discipline is crucial in the agricultural industry as it helps farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions based on economic analysis. In this blog, we will provide an overview of agricultural economics, including its importance, concepts, and applications, which will be useful reading material for the licensure examination for agriculturists in the Philippines. The Importance of Agricultural Economics : Agricultural economics is essential in the agricultural sector as it helps stakeholders understand the economic forces that affect agricultural production, markets, and trade. By applying economic analysis to agricultural issues, agricultural economists can provide insights into how to improve efficiency, sustainability, and profi

Agriculture is a vital sector of the Philippine economy, providing food, livelihood, and income to millions of Filipinos. Crop science is a sub-discipline of agriculture that focuses on the scientific principles and practices of crop production. For those who want to pursue a career in agriculture, passing the licensure examination for agriculturists is a necessary requirement. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the concept of agriculture for crop science in the licensure examination for agriculturists in the Philippines. The Concept of Agriculture : Agriculture is defined as the science, art, and business of cultivating soil, growing crops, raising livestock, and producing food and fiber. It involves a wide range of activities, including soil management, seed selection, planting, fertilization, pest and disease control, harvesting, and marketing. Agriculture is a dynamic and evolving field that relies on the latest research, technologies, and innovations to increase pro

  Plants are not only a source of food and oxygen but also contribute significantly to the aesthetics of our environment. However, just like humans, plants are also prone to diseases caused by various factors such as environmental stress, genetic predisposition, and pathogenic organisms. The study of plant diseases and their causes is known as plant pathology. In this blog post, we will explore the etymology and definition of plant pathology. Etymology of Plant Pathology The term "pathology" is derived from the Greek words "pathos" which means suffering and "logos" which means study. The word "pathology" was first used in the 17th century to describe the study of disease in humans and animals. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the term "plant pathology" was coined by the German botanist Anton de Bary. He used the term to describe the study of plant diseases caused by fungi and other microorganisms. Definition of

  When it comes to reviewing for the Agriculturists' Licensure Examination, there are different approaches that candidates can take. Two popular methods are online review and face-to-face review. But which one is better? In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which one is right for you. Online Review Pros : Convenience : One of the biggest advantages of online review is its convenience. You can study anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. You don't have to worry about commuting to a review center or sticking to a fixed schedule. Affordability : Online review courses are often cheaper than face-to-face review courses, as they don't require as much overhead cost. You also don't have to spend money on transportation or accommodation, which can be significant if you live far from a review center. Flexibility : Online review courses offer more flexibility in terms of pacing and content. You can ch

  Animals play a crucial role in our economy, serving as a source of food, fiber, and other products. The economic utility of animals is the value that they provide to farmers and the broader economy. In this post, we will explore the different ways that animals contribute to our economy and provide tips for farmers on how to maximize their economic utility. Milk, Meat, and Eggs Animals such as cows, goats, pigs, and chickens are valued for their ability to provide milk, meat, and eggs. These products are in high demand and can be sold for a profit. Farmers who raise these animals must ensure that they are healthy and well-fed to produce high-quality products. Fiber and Wool Animals such as sheep, alpacas, and llamas are valued for their fiber and wool. These materials can be used to create clothing, blankets, and other textiles. Farmers who raise these animals must ensure that they are well-groomed and properly sheared to produce high-quality fiber and wool. Manure Animal manure is a

  Aspiring agriculturists, are you ready for the licensure examination this year? In this blog post, we'll test your knowledge in agricultural economics with 10 multiple-choice questions. Check your answers at the end of the post and see how well you perform! What is the economic theory that explains how farmers make production decisions?  a. Demand theory  b. Supply theory  c. Production theory  d. Market theory Which of the following is not a factor of production?  a. Land  b. Labor  c. Capital  d. Profit What is the law of supply?  a. As the price of a product increases, the quantity demanded decreases.  b. As the price of a product decreases, the quantity supplied decreases.  c. As the price of a product increases, the quantity supplied increases.  d. As the price of a product decreases, the quantity demanded increases. Which market structure is characterized by many buyers and sellers, homogenous products, and perfect information?  a. Monopoly

  Soil is a vital component of our planet, and it plays a critical role in supporting plant growth and sustaining life on Earth . Soil is a complex and dynamic mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that provides nutrients and physical support to plants. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of soil and its importance to our planet. Soil is formed through a process known as pedogenesis , which involves the physical and chemical weathering of rocks and minerals over time. This process is influenced by factors such as climate, topography, and biological activity. Soil is classified into different types based on its texture, structure, and composition. The major soil types include sand, silt, clay, loam, and peat. Soil plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth by providing nutrients and physical support to roots . Plants obtain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil, which are necessary for their growth and development. Th

  If you're planning to take the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists or simply want to test your crop science knowledge, this blog post is for you! Here are 10 multiple-choice questions to help you review your understanding of the subject: 1. What is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen? a) Respiration b) Photosynthesis c) Transpiration d) Fermentation Answer: b) Photosynthesis 2. Which of the following is NOT an essential nutrient for plant growth? a) Nitrogen b) Phosphorus c) Oxygen d) Potassium Answer: c) Oxygen 3. What is the process by which bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use? a) Nitrification b) Denitrification c) Nitrogen fixation d) Nitrate assimilation Answer: c) Nitrogen fixation 4. What is the scientific name for the common bean? a) Phaseolus vulgaris b) Vigna unguiculata c) Glycine max d) Zea mays Answer: a) Phaseolus vulgaris 5. Which of the following pests is known

Are you preparing for the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists and want to test your knowledge of soil science? Look no further! In this blog post, I've compiled 10 multiple-choice questions to help you assess your understanding of this important subject. Good luck! 1. Which of the following is NOT a primary macronutrient needed by plants?                 a) Nitrogen                 b) Phosphorus                 c) Potassium                 d) Calcium 2.Which of the following soil horizons is typically the top layer of soil?                 a) A Horizon                 b) B Horizon                 c) C Horizon                 d) D Horizon 3. Which type of soil is typically found in arid regions with little rainfall?                 a) Alfisols                 b) Entisols                 c) Inceptisols                 d) Aridisols 4. What is the ideal pH range for most plants to grow?                 a) 4.0-4.5                 b) 5.5-6.5                 c) 7.0-7.5